News – IAMAWhttps://www.goiam.org
International Association of Machinists & Aerospace WorkersFri, 22 Feb 2019 09:45:26 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=5.0.3https://www.goiam.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/cropped-IAM-Logo-Color-300-32x32.pngNews – IAMAWhttps://www.goiam.org
3232Kansas Machinists Holding Stronghttps://www.goiam.org/news/territories/southern/kansas-machinists-holding-strong/
Thu, 21 Feb 2019 18:03:36 +0000https://www.goiam.org/?p=83447“We’re doing the right thing here,” said striking IAM Local 708 member Paul Powell. Powell is a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel and currently a pilot instructor for the KC-46 Air Crew Training System at McConnell AFB. He fights the frigid temperatures in Wichita by heating up the spirits among his coworkers currently on strike

“We’re doing the right thing here,” said striking IAM Local 708 member Paul Powell. Powell is a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel and currently a pilot instructor for the KC-46 Air Crew Training System at McConnell AFB. He fights the frigid temperatures in Wichita by heating up the spirits among his coworkers currently on strike with FlightSafety Services Corporation (FSSC). He wants to ensure that those on the line, and in the community, understand what’s at stake in this fight.

“When one of our brave members in the Southern Territory decides they need to vote for a strike, they do so with a heavy heart as it’s a burden to themselves and their families,” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Rickey Wallace. “But the gravity of the situation is not just financial because when one worker walks, he or she walks for the rights of all workers. So often, that is forgotten in the headlines that are written.”

“Striking is always our last resort. But sometimes, we must stand and fight for what is right and virtuous,” said District 70 Directing Business Representative Cornell Beard who is proud to support his brothers and sisters making a difference for all aerospace workers. “I am impressed by the members of this close-knit group. The best words of encouragement I can offer is keep your union close, but your union family closer.”

Powell isn’t the only veteran standing up for workers. In fact, we owe a debt of gratitude to every one of the Machinist members on strike against FSSC, as they have all proudly served this country.

“We are all like family in this group. We share a lot of solidarity and we enjoy what we do, which is teaching these young people how to fly these aircraft and keep everyone safe,” said Powell.

That’s why getting the Service Contract Act provision in their bargaining agreement has become paramount to these veterans.

“These men are American patriots and not asking for anything out of the ordinary for the work that they do. The Service Contract Act inclusion would provide them a fair collective bargaining agreement. I can’t find fault in that logic,” said District 70 Business Representative and Negotiator Tyson Kelly.

IAM Aerospace Coordinator Tony Blevins couldn’t agree more.

“The IAM stands ready to return to the bargaining table to resolve this unfair labor issue so the FSSC employees can get back to providing the best training to the U.S. Air Force and continue their role of defending our Nation and her interest,” said Blevins.

]]>Donate to Help Aurora Victims’ Familieshttps://www.goiam.org/news/donate-to-help-aurora-victims-families/
Thu, 21 Feb 2019 17:55:43 +0000https://www.goiam.org/?p=83444As the IAM family mourns the loss of five innocent lives at the Henry Pratt facility in Aurora, IL, the unimaginable suffering grows for the victims’ friends and family. The IAM Transportation Department’s Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) and the IAM Employee Assistance Program (EAP) have deployed seven members to the plant site to provide grief counseling

]]>New York Members at Ingersoll Rand Approve Ratify Effects Agreementhttps://www.goiam.org/news/new-york-members-at-ingersoll-rand-approve-ratify-effects-agreement/
Thu, 21 Feb 2019 17:53:14 +0000https://www.goiam.org/?p=83440Members of IAM Local 330, District 65 voted overwhelmingly to ratify an effects agreement with Ingersoll Rand on Sunday. The election comes after the January 22 announcement from the company of their intent to cease manufacturing at the Cheektowaga plant by July of this year. The agreement covers how the nearly 160 workers will be

]]>Members of IAM Local 330, District 65 voted overwhelmingly to ratify an effects agreement with Ingersoll Rand on Sunday. The election comes after the January 22 announcement from the company of their intent to cease manufacturing at the Cheektowaga plant by July of this year. The agreement covers how the nearly 160 workers will be compensated during and after the shutdown.

“It’s a shame that these dedicated, highly skilled workers were faced with the important decision they had to make today,” said District 65 Assistant Directing Business Representative Peter Cooney. “The Negotiating Committee, with tremendous support from the membership was able to secure a package that these working families deserve.”

Highlights of the deal include a 65 cent per hour increase, a 10 percent training bonus for all hours spent training, as well as earning up to 40 hours pay per year of service with no cap on years. Members will also keep medical insurance for up to three months after the month in which they are separated from the company.

“I’m extremely proud of what the negotiating committee and the solidarity of the membership were able to accomplish,” said Eastern Territory General Vice President Jimmy Conigliaro Sr. “My thanks go out to ADBR Cooney for guiding the committee and the membership, providing the best possible outcome under the difficult circumstances they faced. It’s extremely unfortunate a great workforce like this one has been dealt a plant closure when they worked so hard to make Ingersoll-Rand, and their predecessors in Western New York successful since 1957.”

The current collective bargaining agreement set to expire in August is extended to through November 3, 2019.

]]>IAM Local W484 Prepares for Negotiationshttps://www.goiam.org/news/iam-local-w484-prepares-for-negotiations/
Thu, 21 Feb 2019 17:50:28 +0000https://www.goiam.org/?p=83437Members of IAM Local W484 attended Negotiation Preparation class on their days off Saturday and Sunday, February 8-9, 2019 in preparation for upcoming negotiations at the Potlatch saw mill in Warren, Arkansas. The training was set up by Woodworker Chief of Staff Mike Rose and Business Representative Kelvin Godwin. “The negotiating committee was a mix

]]>Members of IAM Local W484 attended Negotiation Preparation class on their days off Saturday and Sunday, February 8-9, 2019 in preparation for upcoming negotiations at the Potlatch saw mill in Warren, Arkansas. The training was set up by Woodworker Chief of Staff Mike Rose and Business Representative Kelvin Godwin.

“The negotiating committee was a mix of experienced and new members on the committee,” said Educational Representative Henry Bagwell. “They worked very hard all weekend and have a lot of homework to do.”

“I can’t believe what I have learned in two days,” said negotiating committee member James Ellis, a veteran of many negotiations. “We are better prepared than ever.”

The committee is working hard to bring the members of Local W484 a good contract.

]]>Join the IAM at Rolling Thunder 2019https://www.goiam.org/news/join-the-iam-at-rolling-thunder-2019/
Thu, 21 Feb 2019 17:46:09 +0000https://www.goiam.org/?p=83430Machinists Union members will take part in Washington, DC’s final annual Rolling Thunder “Ride for Freedom,” on Sunday, May 26, 2019. This iconic event began in 1988 as a tribute to soldiers left behind after the Vietnam War and has evolved into a display of patriotism and respect for all who defend our country. Rolling

IAM members, including International President Bob Martinez, will meet at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 26 at IAM Headquarters, 9000 Machinists Pl., Upper Marlboro, MD to participate Rolling Thunders’ First Amendment Demonstration Run. This motorcycle run brings thousands to the capital to pay tribute to our nation’s heroes.

]]>Submit Your Applications: 2019 IAM Scholarship Deadline February 22https://www.goiam.org/news/departments/hq/scholarships/2019-iam-scholarship-competition-is-now-accepting-applications/
Wed, 20 Feb 2019 12:29:43 +0000https://www.goiam.org/?p=80500The 2019 IAM Scholarship Competition is accepting applications. The competition is open to members of the IAM and their children throughout the United States and Canada under procedures and rules of eligibility explained in this announcement. Deadline for applications is February 22, 2019. The IAM Scholarship Fund, which is used exclusively to make possible these awards,

]]>The 2019 IAM Scholarship Competition is accepting applications. The competition is open to members of the IAM and their children throughout the United States and Canada under procedures and rules of eligibility explained in this announcement. Deadline for applications is February 22, 2019.The IAM Scholarship Fund, which is used exclusively to make possible these awards, was established by the delegates of the 1960 IAM Grand Lodge Convention.

This scholarship competition is open each year to members of the IAM and their children throughout the United States and Canada under procedures and rules of eligibility explained in this Announcement. The IAM Scholarship Fund, which is used exclusively to make possible these awards, was established by the delegates of the 1960 IAM Grand Lodge Convention.

The Scholarship Competition
Scholarships to make possible the attainment of a Bachelor’s degree or a two-year vocational/technical certification are determined in a competition among eligible applicants that is judged by a special Selection Committee.

Amount of the Awards
Awards to members are $2,000 per academic year. They are granted for a specific period from one to four years to enable the member to earn a Bachelor’s degree or a two-year vocational/technical certification.

Awards to Children of Members are: College — $1,000 per academic year. All awards are renewed each year until a Bachelor’s degree is obtained up to a maximum of four years. Vocational/Technical School — $2,000 per year until certification is reached up to a maximum of two years.

To be valid, an application must be submitted on the appropriate form. If you do not qualify under the above requirements, please do not send an application. No exceptions can be made to the rules. Application Packets for the 2019 competition may also be obtained by calling our scholarship department at 301-967-4708 or by emailing scholarship@iamaw.org.

Application packets postmarked later than February 22, 2019, will NOT be acknowledged or considered. No exceptions will be permitted even if a third party is responsible for the delay.

to obtain guidance from their high school teachers and counselors in pursuing a college education or for attending vocational/technical school;

not to wait until awards are announced before making other plans for financing a college education;

to apply early for scholarships or awards from several other sources; and

to make early application for admission to at least three colleges.

The Selection Committee
Award recipients will be chosen by an independent Selection Committee composed of three qualified educators from the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area.

The Selection Procedure
The Committee attempts to select from each IAM territory applicants who have demonstrated learning ability and all-around suitability for college work or for attending vocational/technical school. In reaching this determination, many factors are taken into consideration, including: grades, attitude toward study, personal references, available test scores, the opinion of counselors and teachers and activities outside of school. For member applicants, weight is given to participation in local lodge responsibilities. Canadian students are judged according to Canadian scholastic standards. The IAM scholarship winners and honorable mentions will be announced in the summer of 2019 on the IAM website.

All Award Recipients –

are responsible for obtaining admission to the college or vocational/technical school of the student’s choice;

must take a course of study leading to a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent if attending college or the required courses for vocational/technical school; and

may attend a two-year accredited college and transfer for the last two years.**

The Sponsoring Member and Member Applicants –

must maintain continuous good-standing membership throughout the life of the award or have been issued an honorary withdrawal card due to a lay-off, plant closing or retirement after the scholarship has been awarded.

When proper notification is submitted to the Scholarship Committee, the following may be approved: If the recipient enlists in the military, the award will be held in reserve for a period no longer than three years.

If the recipient enters the Peace Corps, the award will be held in reserve for a period no longer than two years.

The recipient must apply for reinstatement of the scholarship within three months after discharge from the military service or Peace Corps and must enroll in college.
A request for temporary suspension for academic reasons may be granted for a period not exceeding one year.

In the case of illness or accident, the award may be held in reserve for a period not to exceed two years. The student would be expected to resume college or vocational/technical work as soon as possible.

The IAM will set aside the total amount in the Scholarship Fund necessary to finance the student through the period of the award. The Program was established in the confident expectation that it will remain indefinitely, as long as donations continue. If unforeseen circumstances should cause the Program to be discontinued, scholarships in effect would be continued for their duration, and all money remaining in the Fund would be used solely for educational purposes.

]]>The IAM Remembers Victims of the Aurora, IL Henry Pratt Shootinghttps://www.goiam.org/news/the-iam-remembers-victims-of-the-aurora-il-henry-pratt-shooting/
Tue, 19 Feb 2019 21:19:48 +0000https://www.goiam.org/?p=83395The IAM mourns the loss of two IAM Local 1202 members and three employees of the Henry Pratt Company in Aurora, IL. The five victims were killed in a mass shooting that took place at the Henry Pratt facility on Friday, February 15, 2019. “The IAM family is distraught about the terrible tragedy at the

]]>The IAM mourns the loss of two IAM Local 1202 members and three employees of the Henry Pratt Company in Aurora, IL.

The five victims were killed in a mass shooting that took place at the Henry Pratt facility on Friday, February 15, 2019.

“The IAM family is distraught about the terrible tragedy at the Henry Pratt Co. in Aurora, IL. Our members at Local 1202—and every working man and woman—should be able to go home to their loved ones at the end of each and every work day. Our heart breaks for the victims’ families and the entire community,” said IAM International President Bob Martinez. “The IAM is working to ensure our members get the assistance they need to move forward with their lives. I want to personally thank the Midwest Territory, District 8 and the Aurora community for wrapping their arms around our members and their families during this difficult time. We are also extremely grateful for the first responders who put their lives on the line that fateful day. I send thoughts, prayers and condolences on behalf of over 600,000 Machinists across North America.”

“The IAM is deeply saddened by the horrific tragedy that occurred Friday at the Henry Pratt Company in Aurora, Illinois,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Steve Galloway. “There are no words to express how thankful we are to first responders, IAM Local 1202, IAM District 8 Directing Business Representative Steve Jones and his entire staff, IAM Headquarters, the Mueller Company, and the entire Aurora community for their quick response in the wake of the tragedy. We continue to send our thoughts and prayers to the victims’ families and all those effected by this tragic event.”

“Even as my heart is broken because of these tragic events at Henry Pratt, I believe it is all of our responsibility and obligation to do the work to remember and honor those that have lost and sacrificed their life on February 15th – for all of the employees that had their lives affected, the authorities that responded to the incident, and the community that suffered such a catastrophic loss that day,” said IAM District 8 Directing Business Representative Steve Jones. “They should never be forgotten. I am also in awe of the love and support those affected have received from their communities. I give a sincere thanks to all that have given their time, thoughts and prayers to the families, our union, company and community.”

A vigil was held Sunday, February 17th in honor of the five victims in Friday’s shooting.

Flags were lowered to half-staff today at IAM headquarters in Upper Marlboro, MD in honor and remembrance of the five victims.

The more than 60 IAM members who work at the facility make specialized valves for municipal water systems.

Russell Beyer, 47, was a more than 28-year member of IAM Local 1202 and served as Shop Chairman. “Russell was a fun, loving gentle giant of a guy, who was friends with everyone,” says the Beyer family. “Russell would truly give you the shirt off of his back. He was an extremely proud and dedicated union guy. A great Dad, Son, Brother, and Uncle. Russell will be forever missed by his family and so many more!” He is survived by two children, his parents, two siblings, one niece and nephew and his “loyal companion” Billy Bob, his dog. Visitation and funeral arrangements for Russell Beyer can be found here.

Vicente Juarez, 54, was a 13-year member of IAM Local 1202 and worked as a fork lift operator. “He was a hardworking, responsible and loving husband, father and grandfather,” says the Juarez family. “Vicente could always be heard shouting out loud ‘Ay Mija’ anytime the weather took a turn for the worst, all while comforting his family with laughs. Vicente had a passion for working on cars with his sons, and had a soft spot for a particular 1969 Chevy Impala.” He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Leticia (Lupercio) Juarez, three children, eight grandchildren, and eight siblings. Visitation and funeral arrangements for Vicente Juarez can be found here.

Josh Pinkard, 37, a native of Alabama, Pinkard became Plant Manager at Henry Pratt in the spring of 2018. “He loved God, his family and Mississippi State sports,” a cousin wrote in a text to the Chicago Tribune that he said was written on behalf of Pinkard’s wife, Terra Pinkard. He is survived by his wife and three children. Visitation and funeral arrangements for Josh Pinkard have not yet been finalized (at the time of this publication).

Clayton Parks, 32, joined Henry Pratt as Human Resource Manager in November 2018. He is survived by an infant son and wife, Abby Parks, who characterized him as “My husband, my love, my best friend.” Visitation and funeral arrangements for Clayton Parks have not yet been finalized (at the time of this publication).

Trevor Wehner, 21, a senior at Northern Illinois University, worked as a Human Resource Intern under Parks. Friday, February 15th was his first day. “He had a smile that would light up the room,” says the Wehner family, “and always had a silly joke or comment to say. He was fun-loving and made friends with everyone young and old.” He is survived by his parents and step-father, three brothers, one sister and grandparents. Visitation and funeral arrangements for Trevor Wehner can be found here.

Flags at IAM headquarters in Upper Marlboro, MD are being flown at half-staff in honor and remembrance of the five victims in Friday’s shooting.

One additional IAM member was injured in the shooting and has been released from the hospital. Six members of the Aurora Police Department were also injured in the shooting. Five officers have been released from the hospital. The sixth officer has not yet been released, but is reported to be okay.

IAM Local 1202 members returned to the plant for an opportunity to come together and support each other Monday. The Pratt facility will remain closed for production this week, but the company will keep doors open to employees who wish to come by to spend time with colleagues and/or receive grief counseling made available through the IAM Transportation Department’s Critical Incident Response Teams (CIRT) and IAM Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Seven members of both programs were immediately deployed and on the ground the day after the shooting to provide grief counseling to union members, company employees, their families and all those in need of extra support in dealing with the tragedy. They are on-site at the plant and will continue to provide counseling throughout the week.

]]>A Progressive Political Push for Laborhttps://www.goiam.org/news/a-progressive-political-push-for-labor/
Tue, 19 Feb 2019 15:16:39 +0000https://www.goiam.org/?p=83387Key members in the newly Democratic controlled House of Representatives say the powerful political body is unapologetic about its support for organized labor.

]]>The Fight is Not Overhttps://www.goiam.org/news/the-fight-is-not-over/
Thu, 14 Feb 2019 19:44:04 +0000https://www.goiam.org/?p=83355Washington lawmakers recently agreed on a spending package to avoid another government shutdown. The spending package includes a 1.9 percent pay raise for federal employees. It does not include back pay for more than 1 million federal contract workers, like many IAM members who work alongside federal employees from NASA to the FAA. “The rejection

]]>Washington lawmakers recently agreed on a spending package to avoid another government shutdown. The spending package includes a 1.9 percent pay raise for federal employees. It does not include back pay for more than 1 million federal contract workers, like many IAM members who work alongside federal employees from NASA to the FAA.

“The rejection of federal contract worker back pay by the GOP leadership in this funding deal is outrageous and unfair,” said Machinists Union International President Bob Martinez. “We urge Republican and Democratic leadership to quickly pass legislation to secure back pay for the federal contract workers. This shutdown created hardship for more than 1 million hardworking, dedicated federal contract workers through no fault of their own. It was a 35-day disaster that created extreme stress for federal contract workers and continues to put their financial well-being at risk. We need Congress to act now.

“Our members proudly provide critical services to government agencies from NASA to the FAA. I want to thank our friend Congressman Donald Norcross, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senator Tina Smith, and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley for stepping up for working families in this effort.”

The IAM continues to support the bipartisan Fairness for Federal Contractors Act of 2019, introduced by U.S. Reps. Donald Norcross (D-NJ) and Chris Smith (R-NJ), which would provide federal contractors with back pay after the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. The legislation would instruct federal agencies to work with federal contractors to ensure that up to $1,400 of back pay is granted to all impacted contract workers.

Call our hotline at 1-888-894-1028 to be connected to your member of Congress. Ask them to co-sponsor the Fairness for Federal Contractors Act of 2019 (HR 824).

]]>Iowa Prince Hydraulics Shutters Plant after 78 Yearshttps://www.goiam.org/news/territories/midwest/iowa-prince-hydraulics-shutters-plant-after-78-years/
Thu, 14 Feb 2019 19:41:19 +0000https://www.goiam.org/?p=83326More than 30 members of IAM Local 1426 in Sioux City, Iowa are out of work after their employer, Prince Hydraulics Company, permanently closed its doors Friday, January 18, 2019, without any advanced notice. The plant had been manufacturing hydraulic cylinders, valves, and pumps since 1941. “I have seen several plant closings in my time

More than 30 members of IAM Local 1426 in Sioux City, Iowa are out of work after their employer, Prince Hydraulics Company, permanently closed its doors Friday, January 18, 2019, without any advanced notice. Members of the IAM Local 1426 Negotiating Committee bargained an effects agreement which included severance pay, full vacation payout, seniority bonus, and an incentivized COBRA insurance. Pictured (left to right): IAM District 6 Business Representative John Herrig, Local 1426 members Ricky Pickens, Greg Enright and Kurt Lambing, and IAM District 6 Business Representative Doug Day.

More than 30 members of IAM Local 1426 in Sioux City, Iowa are out of work after their employer, Prince Hydraulics Company, permanently closed its doors Friday, January 18, 2019, without any advanced notice.

The plant had been manufacturing hydraulic cylinders, valves, and pumps since 1941.

“I have seen several plant closings in my time as a Business Representative and as a Machinist,” said IAM District 6 Business Representative John Herrig. “But I have never seen it handled in such a cold-hearted fashion. I worked in this plant for 12 years and represented the bargaining unit for another seven. I have a sense of what they are feeling, but I cannot imagine the full emotional impact on their lives. This is just plain wrong.”

The employees were taken by surprise as they were told, shortly after being summoned into the lunchroom at 2:00 pm, in a few short sentences from a prepared statement read to them by Corporate CEO Dan Van Eldik. As they exited the facility with their personal items, they were met by a locksmith waiting to change the locks and police cars about a block down the road.

This was not how these faithful employees, many of whom had more than 30 or 40 years of service, expected to end their careers with this company. The employees not present were not notified at all.

When the employees left the plant on January 18th all they received was information regarding COBRA insurance and some Iowa Workforce Development papers with wrong information.

But the IAM stepped in and contacted Iowa Works Rapid Response to set up a group informational meeting and had a Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) petition filed seeking some help for the dislocated workers. An Iowa WARN complaint was also initiated since Prince also neglected to give notice to Iowa Workforce Development; a violation of the Iowa version of the federal WARN Act. Iowa WARN mandates a 30-day notice from employers who employ at least 25 workers of a plant closing, but violations carry very little reprimand for those in defiance of the law.

The IAM was able to enter effects bargaining with the company to provide a severance package for the affected employees. An agreement was reached which included severance pay, full vacation payout, seniority bonus, and an incentivized COBRA insurance. The package was ratified on February 4, 2019.

The plant unionized in 1967 and has held nearly 100 percent union membership, despite being in a Right to Work (for less) state.

Kurt Lambing would have had 31 years in at Prince this April. For Brother Lambing this is personal. It’s not just Kurt that was affected – his two brothers Bill and Dean (34 and 29 years of service respectively) also lost their jobs.

“This company closed the doors and turned their backs on 31 proud Union Brothers. Without warning or caring,” said the former Local 1426 President and longtime Shop Chairman. “We worked hard for our Brothers to get the best severance package we could. I am proud of our committee and it’s been an honor and privilege to serve this great Union.”

“The plants abrupt closing on January 18 came unexpected,” said Rick Pickens, a former Local Lodge officer and committee member. “I went through effects negotiations not knowing what the outcome would be. The severance package that was negotiated and is to be paid out would not have been possible without the union’s help.”

Brother Pickens is unsure of where he will find another job; or if he even can find another job. He started at Prince about one week after Kurt and has worked virtually every job in the plant resulting in an immense physical toll to his body.

Greg Enright, a more than 15-year employee who has served on the Shop Committee, Negotiating Committee, and as an officer of Local Lodge 1426 put it this way, “With the plant closing, we lost our livelihood, our benefits, and security. But they will never take away the brotherhood. It runs bone deep. I could never hope for a greater group to represent and I hope I’ve served them well.”

Servicing Business Representative Doug Day acknowledged the hard work by the Negotiating Committee. “It’s a sad day when any company closes its shop and several people are affected by that decision. I thank the Negotiating Committee, not just for all they have done during this difficult time, but for all they have done for this great union throughout the many years. I also want to thank BR John Herrig and Grand Lodge Representative Shannon Stucker for all of their work, leadership, and support during these difficult negotiations.”

“The IAM shares our members’ anger and frustration over Prince’s decision to stop operations – so abruptly and without notice – in Sioux City,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Steve Galloway. “Their decision to suddenly abandon a workforce that has given its blood, sweat, and tears for more than 78 years is unfathomable. It’s time for this corporate race to the bottom to end. If not, we’ll continue to see good jobs disappear throughout this country.

“Thank you to the IAM Local 1426 Negotiating Committee, IAM District 6 Business Representatives John Herrig and Doug Day, and IAM Midwest Territory Grand Lodge Representative Shannon Stucker for your swift actions in first meeting the immediate needs of the membership and then coming together to bargain an effects agreement to help in this difficult time,” continued Galloway. “Most importantly, thank you to the members of IAM Local 1426. Your years and dedication may have been lost on the company, but they are certainly not lost on your union.”

“The way this company has treated its employees is absolutely disgraceful,” said International President Bob Martinez. “For our members to be walked out of the plant just minutes after finding out it was closing, is outrageous and goes beyond the usual display of corporate greed. We will work with the Midwest Territory to make sure these members and their families have every IAM resource made available to them. How many more plant closings do the American people have to suffer through while corporation after corporation get even richer off of Trump’s tax giveaway?”